El Caballo Sim Rulebook
You may click on one of these headers for a quick reference to that section, or scroll all the way down and read
everything as you go. If you are a new Member, it is probably best to read everything, so that you ultimately
understand the workings of the game.
If you have any questions or concerns about any of the Rules, or even a suggestion
as an addition to the EC Rulebook, please 
use this form.
Member Names
Member names must be composed of a first and last name to prevent possible confusion.
Although your forum name does not necessarily have to resemble your true name, it MUST be sensible.
For example, ‘horseluvver877’ is not acceptable, and in all honesty, such names are too immature for
El Caballo Sim.
We also prohibit barn names or nouns to be used for your EC account, such as ‘Thoroughbred Champion’
or ‘Sandcliff Stables’. We are a close and friendly community and would prefer to refer to a name,
not a place, barn or otherwise.
Please do remember that names are always capitalized, and players are NOT to use useless punctuation,
as in .::Becky Smith::. The first name and the last name you use MUST be full: Ex. Becky Smith, rather
than Becky S.
Lastly, your member name may NOT be changed at a later date (with the exception of the week when you join
and realize someone else already uses the first or last name you wanted; you may of course, change your
name during that first week, but only because you have not established your EC personality at such an
early point in time, and nobody is likely to get confused or frustrated).
-- Back to Top
Member Conduct & Expectations
El Caballo is a mature equine SIM game and intended for adults and veteran simmers, and all players are
expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and responsible manner. Below are the rules and guides
of conduct and expectations, which apply to all members of the game, including staff.
a) JOINING & APPLICATIONS
El Caballo is an exclusive club and we reserve the right to decide who joins us and who does not.
You are not officially a member of EC until you have completed and sent in the Joining Form,
and have been approved to play by the Administration. If you begin playing or interacting within
the game without prior approval, you will be immediately prohibited from the game for a period of
no less than six months, after which you may re-apply.
b) LANGUAGE & TYPING
You must use mature and proper language at all times, including correct spelling, grammar, and
punctuation. This applies to all aspects of the game, such as private transactions between players
via email or Forum Private Messages. Uncapitalized names, excessive use of exclamation marks or
abbreviated internet-slang and terminology (‘u’ instead of ‘you’, for example) are prohibited, with
the exception of very few commonplace abbreviations, such as 'LOL' and 'OK'.
c) HARRASSMENT & RESPECT
Players are responsible for the content of their interaction in the game, which includes private
transactions and the content of their game sites. Offensive language, teasing, discrimination
(in any form: sexism, racism etc.), bullying, name-calling, or immature language is strictly
prohibited. Intense religious discussions are strongly discouraged, as they generally lead to
negative feelings - 'preaching' is certainly prohibited, as everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.
This game caters to the adult simmer, and respect for other players is required and expected.
d) ACTIVITY & ABSENCES
Players are expected to remain active and partake in the game for at least 2 hours every week.
The more active and involved you are in El Caballo, the more you will benefit from the game.
Players will obviously take the occassional "Leave of Absence", however please notify other players
and staff on the appropriate boards if you will be gone for a period of more than 6 days. If a player
does not Login for more than two weeks, and left no notification, they will be deemed inactive and
possibly deleted from the game.
e) THE FORUM
Forum interaction and conduct will be mature and sensible; any disputes will be brought to the attention
of an Administrator immediately. Your Forum display name MUST be properly capitalized and spaced
(beckysmith is not acceptable, but Becky Smith is). Your Forum signature may NOT advertise any illegitimate
establishments, such as "future barns" or businesses which have not been approved. If you include an image
in your Forum signature, it may not exceed 300x300px. Links to other games are strictly prohibited, of course.
f) WEBSITE LOGIN
If you require the username and password for the website Member Login, you MUST request the information
from an Administrator, not another member. Any members who give out the user/pass will be banned from
EC for indefinite period of time.
g) VIOLATIONS
The EC Staff and Administration reserve the right to suspend players who have violated the rules
or aforementioned player conduct guides. In most cases players will be warned several times before
action is taken, and the admin team will discuss the appropriate actions to take. These rules of player
conduct are in place to ensure fair and equal treatment of all players, so that everyone may enjoy EC.
See also: Breaking the Rules
-- Back to Top
Member Levels & Horse Limits
The Member Levels are an important aspect of gameplay in EC. Such factors as how many horses
you may own or create or breed, and how many different establishments you may manage in the
game all depend on your individual Member Level. You can find out what your Member Level is
by viewing your profile on the Forum. Yes, you may save Horse Credits for later use.
Level 1 (boarder) may open a business, create up to 3 horses / own 7 horses in total.
Level 2 (boarder) may open a Registry OR an Association, create 2 more horses / own 10 horses total.
Level 3 may open a Mini-Barn, a Registry OR an Association, create 5 more horses / own 20 horses total.
Level 5-7 may apply for a PB, manage up to 4 establishments, create 10 more horses / own up to 80 horses MAX.
Level 8+ may apply for a BB, manage up to 4 establishments (same limits as Level 5-7)
* A member may wait until they are Level 8 to apply for a BB, and skip the PB stage if they wish.
(After Level 8, you may have created a total of 30 horses when all is said and done)
Horse Credits
Certain Member Levels in the game will grant you additonal Horse Credits. These Credits may ONLY
be used to create horses for YOURSELF, and you must own the horse for one month before selling.
If you have a Credit left over from your previous status, you may save it to use on your next level.
You can also receive Credits from other areas of gameplay, which are called EC Credits, and are
slightly different than those received in the Member Levels - Horse Credits are ONLY used to create
horses, while EC Credits can be traded for cash.
Deleting a Horse
Every once in a while, a member regrets using a Creation Credit and they wish they could "delete" the horse
and have the Credit again to use on a more appropriate horse. In this case, please contact Kalla Hawk by PM
or email and explain the situation, and we can possibly work something out (in the case where the horse has
been BRED, it is not permitted because it can affect other players). Please do not take advantage of this;
use your Credits wisely to begin with, as you will not be permitted to delete ALL your horses and 'start over'.
Also, remember that trades are possible between members, or you always have the option of selling a horse to
another member and buying a horse that you want.
Appropriate Posting
Members who are posting one-word replies, or meaningless posts, will be demoted - short, simple
posts are NOT accepted towards your total post count. Please remember that we operate with this
system in order to encourage activity & conversation on the Forum. If you suspect another member
of boosting his/her post count by replying with silly or very short messages, you may use the
Problems & Suggestions form on the main site to report their behaviour.
-- Back to Top
Horse Age/YOB
All horses in El Caballo Sim will age by ONE YEAR on January 1st, regardless of their chosen "birthday"
or their breed. If a horse's YOB is 2000, they are 7 years old in 2007, and on Jan.1.08, they turn 8
years old. This is in effect to ensure simpler show entry and less confusion in division classes by age.
Any member may 'age' a horse which they have created at any time, but a member may NOT 'de-age' (make
younger) any horse at any time. If you wish to age a horse that you did not create, you must ask the
original owner (if they are still a member) before doing so. Bred horses may be aged with the consent
of the sire and dam owner, as long as the foal is two years younger than the sire and at least three
years younger than the dam, for the purpose of keeping the game realistic.
-- Back to Top
Membership Numbers
Each member in the game has a unique Membership Number. Knowing yours is important if you wish
to refer someone to the game and receive the appropriate Referral Credits. To find out your
Membership Number, visit the EC Forum, and click on your own name to see your profile. In the
address bar at the top of browser window, you will see the URl to your prfile, and the last
words will say "showuser=#" - the # you see there is your Membership Number. As an example,
view Kalla Hawk's profile; her Membership Number is #3.
-- Back to Top
EC Credits
What is an EC Credit? If you have 1 EC Credit, you may create one horse for the game, OR you
may trade it for $1,000 cash. Members may achieve EC Credits by being active, completing
optional tasks or asignments, running successful shows, helping other members, etc. You may
'save' your credits for use at a later date, by recording them in your Bank Account, but players
may NOT give away or sell Credits. Any horses created with EC Credits may not be sold until
after one month has passed. EC Credits are slightly different than those received in the Member
Levels - those are ONLY used to create horses, while EC Credits can be traded for cash.
-- Back to Top
SIM Time vs Real Time
One year in El Caballo is the same as one year in real life - no confusing "sim years" to worry about.
-- Back to Top
Creating/Importing/Exporting
CREATING:
Members are able to create 3 horses when they first join the game. Decide on the stats for your
horse (name, breed, gender, birthdate, color, height, pedigree), find suitable photographs and request
permission to use them, and design a website to showcase your EC horses (to have a place for their
future show record, progeny line, etc.).
IMPORTING/EXPORTING:
Horses which are imported into El Caballo Sim will enter the game with a clean show record (no
previous earnings, ribbons, titles, or awards may apply), and horses may ONLY be imported from
approved venues, as listed.
If you sell a horse outside the game (export) you do NOT receive new creation credits to make a
new horse, and you MUST inform the game Administrators immediately so they can delete the horse
from the ECREG records.
See also: Frequently Asked Questions
-- Back to Top
Breeding to Outside Horses
At this time, you may breed to outside sim horses that are listed by a game-approved venue, such as
other games EC is affiliated with. You may NOT breed a sim horse to a real-life horse, but RL horses
may be used in created horse pedigrees.
-- Back to Top
Accepted Breeds & Types
Prohibited: Zebras, donkeys, mules, and all fantasy creatures such as unicorns and pegasi are
strictly prohobited in EC, without exception, as well as draft horses, ponies, and miniature horses.
No member may 'create' a new breed of horse in the game - ONLY breeds or types of stock horse or Arabian
that are found in real life are allowed.
Acceptable: All STOCK horse breeds: Appaloosa, Paint, Quarter Horse, Arabian, and any combo/cross
of these listed breeds. Thoroughbred bloodlines may be used in created pedigrees, but no straight TBs
will be used in the game.
-- Back to Top
Accepted Disciplines
Prohibited: All English disciplines are prohibited, including driving.
Acceptable: All Western disciplines are accepted. If it uses a western saddle or halter, it is
allowed in El Caballo. Halter classes are acceptable. Examples:
Working Cow Horse
Reining
Western Pleasure
Roping
Cutting
Speed; barrels, poles, flags
Trail
See also: Disciplines & Training
-- Back to Top
Breeding & Breeding License
BREEDING:
If you own the sire and the dam, you may breed them and produce ONE foal (there are NO twins
allowed in EC, without exception). Gestation time is immediate (this IS a game, after all) so
your foal is born instantly. Decide the stats the same way you did for the original horses you
created, although you must remember that if you breed and Arabian to an Arabian, the baby WILL
be an Arabian, so make sure the foal's stats are realistic (if this is not obvious to you, then please
do not breed any horses).
If you do not own the sire or the dam, or both, you must get permission from the owner of each horse
in order to breed them. There may be stud or brood fees to pay, or a Breeding Contract to sign, and
remember if you sign any contracts in EC, they ARE binding.
Additionally, no member may breed an EC horse to an outside horse (from another game, a real life horse,
an imaginary horse not in the game, etc.). Foals may ONLY be bred from two EC horses.
The owner of the DAM uses a 'breeding credit' for any breedings that take place.
Racehorses may NOT be bred until they have retired from the track.
AI and surrogate mares are allowed, but a dam may ONLY have one foal per year, regardless.
See also: Breeding to Outside Horses
BREEDING LICENSE (BL):
Members without a Breeding License (BL) may only breed 5 foals per year.
Members who hold a BL may breed unlimited foals per year.
Only Private Barns (PB) or Boarding Barns (BB) may apply for a Breeding License.
OBTAINING A BL:
There is a written examination (test) you must pass in order to have a BL, and you may only take the
exam if you are a PB or BB owner.
See also: EC Breeding License Exam
-- Back to Top
El Caballo Registry [ECREG]
The ECREG is THE mandatory registry to account for all horses in the game. If your horse is
not registered, it may not show, breed, or exist in the game in any way.
See also: Register a Horse with ECREG
Horses are added to the registry almost daily. You may NOT claim photos or a name for your
horse if it doesn't have an ECREG#. If it does not have this number, it does not exist yet.
-- Back to Top
Disciplines & Training
EC has strict regulations in place to keep the game realistic and fair for all - Disciplines
and training levels are no exception. Your horse may NOT compete in ALL accepted disciplines,
but your horse MAY compete in more than one discipline depending on his/her age. Please remember
that if you wish to train a horse, you are required to utilize the services of an approved
Training Facility in the game.
Limits:
Your horse may compete in a combination of western disciplines, as long as they follow this guide:
Horses 1-3 years of age may compete in only ONE discipline, plus in-hand/Halter classes.
Horses 4-7 years of age may compete in TWO disciplines, plus in-hand/Halter classes.
Horses 8-12 years of age may compete in THREE disciplines, plus in-hand/Halter classes.
Horses 13-20 years of age may compete in FOUR disciplines, plus in-hand/Halter classes.
Horses 20+ years of age, & all broodmares may compete ONLY in in-hand/Halter classes.
NOTE - Racehorses may not show in any other under-saddle or halter classes, until they are four years
old and retire from the track, at which point they will be re-trained and compete as an under-saddle
show horse, and will follow the guidelines as defined.
Disciplines:
Western Speed Events (barrels, poles, flags) - counts as 1 discipline (futurity compete in ONE, not all 3)
Western Pleasure - counts as 1 discipline
Trail - counts as 1 discipline
Roping (calf, team, breakaway, & steer wrestling) - counts as 1 discipline
Reining - counts as 1 discipline
Cutting - counts as 1 discipline
Working Cow Horse (cutting & reining combined) - counts as 2 disciplines (may enter Cutting classes, Reining classes, and WCH classes)
Horsemanship, Showmanship, In-Hand, Halter - counts as 1 discipline (ALL horses eligible)
Prospect horses may only compete in ONE discipline, In-Hand only.
Futurity horses may only compete in ONE under-saddle discipline, plus In-Hand.
All other ages/levels may compete in under-saddle disciplines AND In-Hand.
Broodmares may NOT compete under-saddle.
Racehorses may NOT compete In-Hand during race career, or will be considered retired.
See also: Accepted Disciplines
-- Back to Top
Training Facilities
A member may have a horse re-trained to compete in a different discipline at any time. All bred horses
MUST be trained before they may compete in any shows.
Anytime there is training or re-training involved, a member MUST utilize the services of a game-approved
Training Facility. The Training Facilities are a very important aspect of gameplay. Choose the horse you
wish to have trained or re-trained, contact the approved Training Facility of your choice, request training
and pay the fees as listed, and your horse is considered trained or re-trained.
To see the list of approved Training Facilities, please visit the EC site and use the appropriate link.
Only members who own a private or boarding barn may develop a Training Facility for El Caballo Sim. Training
Facilities require a separate website with complete information about services offered, and may cater to
one specific discipline/age group, or service all disciplines and ages. Fees and availability may vary.
-- Back to Top
Finances & Bank Records
Members may choose to start out with $100,000 or $200,000 (or anywhere in between) and are expected
to track every transaction in their personal account at The EC Bank and Trust, which is monitored
closely by the EC Staff. Money is exchanged by the 'check method'. An example of a well-written check:
Date: (today)
To: (who are you giving this money to?)
Memo: (why are you giving this money?)
Amount: $
Signed: (your name)
Each member is held responsible for his/her own finances, and MUST actively update and maintain their
bank records frequently - as in, at least twice per month. New members are responsible for
creating an account with the EC Bank & Trust. The EC Staff is responsible for ensuring that an account
has been set up for the new member to use. Failure to post your finances within the first week of joining,
and updating them on a regular basis from that point on will result in a warning from the EC Administrators.
There is no excuse for not following this very common and simple rule of game-play in EC, and as most of
our members are SIM game veterans, this should be very obvious and expected.
Any member who has not posted their finances within the first month of joining will be deleted from the
game, regardless of their activity and involvement on the Forum or otherwise in EC gameplay. Members who
regularly keep an active and accurate bank account will be rewarded with bonus moneys.
-- Back to Top
Establishments
An "establishment" refers to any official game site owned by a player of the game (with the exception
of personal websites managed by Boarders which exist to showcase their horses while they are boarding).
The are several types of establishments in El Caballo, and they are outlined below.
Barns
NOTE: A member may NOT own more than one barn, no exceptions. Members may NOT co-own a barn, but
co-ownership of any other type of establishment is acceptable and encouraged, such as a Registry.
Boarder (MB) - New members are considered 'boarders', which means they do NOT own a barn.
A website must be maintained to showcase all horses owned by the member.
Mini-Barn (MB) - This is the next step up from being a boarder, giving players an opportunity
to have some independence from the barn at which they board, as well as an increase in the horse
limit. MB owners are able to choose a name for their MB, but are still located on the property of
the BB, and monthly fees are still required, payable to the BB owner. When entering shows, MB owners
must display their name as "Mini-Barn @ BB", by using either their initials or the full name,
depending on what is requested by the show host.
Private Barn (PB)- This is the first main barn option for players who are being promoted. PB
owners must display excellent organizational skills in order to manage their records, and they
are alotted an increase in their personal horse limit upon promotion. When entering shows, PB
owners must display their name by using either their initials or the full name, depending on
what is requested by the show host.
Boarding Barn (BB) - Members may only open a BB after they have proven their dedication
to the game and a good understanding of the Rulebook. BB owners are a mentor for new players,
and must be able to provide answers and tips for the boarders. BB owners must display excellent
organizational skills, in order to manage their own records, as well as those of their boarders,
and are alotted a horse limit increase upon promotion. When entering shows, BB owners must
display their name by using either their initials or the full name, depending on what is
requested by the show host.
Registries (REG)
... are designated by BREED. REG owners are responsible for hosting at least 1 monthly
show catering to its club members and relevant to the breed in question. Registries MUST
be displayed on a well-managed and frequently-updated webpage. Also responsible for managing
registration of club members (which MUST utilize personal registry numbers for each HORSE),
accounting registration and show fees, and managing a separate 'business account' at the EC
Bank & Trust. REG owners are alotted a sum of money each (active) month which they are expected
to use for prize payouts at REG monthly shows ($3,000); this is called the Club Payout. There
is no horse limit increase for REG owners.
Associations (ASSOC)
... are designated by DISCIPLINE. ASSOC owners are responsible for hosting at least 1
monthly show catering to its club members and relevant to the discipline in question.
Associations MUST be displayed on a well-managed and frequently-updated webpage.
Also responsible for managing registration of club members (which MUST utilize personal
registry numbers for each HORSE), taking registration fees, and managing a separate
'business account' at the EC Bank. ASSOC owners are alotted a sum of money each
month which they are expected to use for prize payouts at ASSOC monthly shows
($3,000); this is called the Club Payout. There is no horse limit increase for
ASSOC owners.
NOTE: Gender-based Associations and Registries are NOT allowed in EC, as they
are considered unrealistic, ie: The Stallion Association, Broodmare Registry, etc.
Club Mentor Program
A new member (not yet at the level where they can open a Registry or an Association [club] alone)
may request a Club Mentor and learn how to manage a Registry or an Association with the help
of the Mentor for a period of one month, after which they may manage the Registry or Association alone.
This program is in place for those new members who are eager to estabish some territory in the game
and do not wish to wait until they have reached the Member Level which allows for a club.
The new member will be responsible for building and maintaining the club website, and the Mentor will
be available for support, suggestions, and advice, as well as assistance with results and creating the
classlist & rules & fees for the club, but the new member will do the majority of the work and all the
advertisements.
If, after one month has passed, the Mentor feels the new member is NOT ready to manage the club alone,
they have the option of Mentoring again for one month. If the member is still not ready after 2 months
of Mentoring assistance, they may not open the club and they may not be Mentored for a third consecutive
month. They may attempt to open a club after the Administrators give leave to do so, and not before.
Businesses (BUS)
Service Type (ServBUS) - Businesses in this category include Veterinarians, Farriers,
website designers, graphic designers, writeups, results collecting, etc - generally
businesses which offer a service to other members, rather than items for purchase.
Shop Type (ShopBUS) - Businesses in this category include Tack shops, Feed shops, and
Equipment shops - generally businesses which offer items for sale to other members, not services.
Please note that if a member is consistently inactive or absent, his/her establishments may be taken
away and assigned to another, more active member, in the interest of providing all members with active
and involved gameplay. An easy way around this is to share management responsibilities with another member,
so that between two people, the club remains open and is not at risk of being forfeited.
-- Back to Top
Establishment Names
No two establishments may share the same name, or be too similar, unless they are owned by one
(the same) member, such as Redhawke Farm, Redhawke Veterinarian Clinic, and Redhawke Feed Store.
If you want to name your barn similar to another barn which already exists in the game, it will be up to
the established barn owner to state whether they are comfortable with the new barn's name. For example,
if there is an established Hawkwood Farm, and you wish to name your new barn Hawkwing Estate, the owner
of Hawkwood Farm will retain the right to disallow your barn name, on the basis that the names are too similar.
Please ensure that your new barn name will differ substantially from those already established, before you apply
for your barn. The use of common facility names are not an issue, such as Stable, Farm, Barn, Ranch, Acres, etc.
Each member is responsible for deciding on an appropriate barn name when they become eligible for a Mini-Barn,
and when the time comes that they upgrade to Private/Boarding Barn status, they may change the name completely.
This is only allowed ONCE; otherwise, it is too confusing and complicated when a member switches their barn
name again and again. Decide on a name, and stick with it.
-- Back to Top
Horse Care
Vet & Farrier
Your horse must visit a listed veterinarian at least once per year, and a listed farrier
at least once every 8 - 10 weeks.
Tack & Feed
At this time, you are not required to purchase tack or feed for your horses.
-- Back to Top
Game Websites
Sites built by EC members for use in the game are required to include a brief Disclaimer
(this is all simulated/fake for the online horse game called El Caballo, or something
to that effect), as well as a link to EC, and any credits where applicable, for photos
or information used. Game sites are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct, as outlined
at the top of this page, and contain only information which is relevant to EC. Your game sites
are NOT to include ANY information whatsoever regarding any other sim games. Advertising other
sim games in EC is strictly forbidden (and extremely rude).
-- Back to Top
Sim Families/Virtual Riders/Pets
Members are asked to exclude sim families from gameplay, although they may be briefly mentioned
on a main barn website. Virtual riders are allowed and encouraged, although only if they are briefly
mentioned on barn sites. Pets or stock animals such as cattle are ok, as long as they are only briefly
mentioned, again, on main barn sites. This is not an online RPG-version of "The Sims"; this game is
about HORSES, so keep it reasonable. This includes all "blogs" and "journals".
-- Back to Top
Quickie Shows
Regular Quickie Shows
Any member of EC may host up to TWO Quickie Shows per month. The purpose of this board is to host a quick
little event faster than the average scheduled shows. This is a fun way to enter/host shows, without waiting
weeks & weeks for results. By entering only 1 or 2 horses per player, the entries will be small and
manageable, w/cheap entry fees. All Quickies will run the same way, w/same rules, but the classlists
will vary. Make sure you are using that second subject line to display THE DATE the show runs:
"show runs September 5 2008".
- always 10 classes or less
- always $10 per horse
- always 1 or 2 horses per member entry
- will run within a few days of posting (no more than 5 days)
- each member may host 4 Quickie shows each month, MAX
- ANY member may host a Quickie show
- clubs may host ONE Quickie designated for their club per month
- classlist, entries, and results all in ONE thread, always
- always post your entries publicly, right below the show, same thread
- always use a randomizer for results
- post results ON TIME, or lose your Quickie priviledges
- post Champion, Reserve, and up to two Honorable Mentions
- you do not need to give prize money, it's up to you
Club Quickie Shows
Any club manager (Association or Registry) may host ONE Quickie show each month in addition to regular-scheduled
monthly shows. The title for ALL club Quickies will include the acronym of the club for easy reference, such as:
ECAppR January 2008 Quickie, ECAQHR Jan/08 Cutting Quickie, etc. Otherwise, all same rules apply as the
'Regular Quickie Shows'.
-- Back to Top
Entering a Show
Entering shows is a very important aspect of the game, and a big part of the fun. It is a vital
way to be involved and compete against other members in the game. You can win prizes and cash,
as well as titles, awards, and honors for your horse.
Check the "Upcoming Shows" or "Upcoming Races" baords on the Forum to see the events which are
open for entries. Follow the guidelines and rules laid out by the show host, which are usually
clear and thorough. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact an
Administrator, Moderator, or the show host with your questions. Be careful to use the correct
entry format, as they sometimes differ from event to event, and to send your entries to the
correct email address, and using the requested subject line, so your entries are not lost or
ignored. Don't forget to send a check for the entry fees!
Sometimes regularly-scheduled monthly shows (such as those held by clubs, or even private series)
allow you to enter once and then 'confirm' your entries each time afterwards, so long as the
classlist has not changed. This makes gameplay alot easier, and entering shows more efficient
and simple.
-- Back to Top
Hosting a Show
Who can host a show? and where?
Absolutely anybody can host their very own show. However, they must have a place to host it. Players
without barns must hire out the facilities for their event from other establishments (namely: barns,
associations, and registries). Players with their own barns or clubs can host the show on their own
grounds, providing they feel they have adequate facilities to support the event. Mini-barn owners should
ideally check with their boarding barn before hosting their event, but it is generally acceptable.
What should I include?
Now that you have secured a location for your event to take place, you need to create a webpage for your
show, something visual for people to see when they are considering entering. The webpage MUST include:
-a thorough classlist
-the show rules
-any restrictions (how many entries per owner, which breeds, genders, ages)
-entry format, and example
-email to send entries, and a subject line
-show date, and entries due date
-info about the entry fees
How do I schedule my show?
Before posting your show on the Forum, you must claim a date for it. (Remember large events or three day
horse trials will need to run over a few days). Please send a PM to the "Action & Shows Moderator" with the
following information, and he/she will schedule a date for you:
-Date(s) Requested: (when do you want the show to be held, day and month)
-Second Choice Date(s): (in case the first date(s) are not available)
-Name of the Show:
-Disciplines in the Show: (list all of the disciplines, including in-hand/halter classes)
-URL to Classlist:
-Any Additonal Notes:
Note: When your show has been assigned a date, you will be contacted by the Moderator and are then
able to post your event on the Upcoming Shows board, for other players to access and enter.
What should I include when I post my show?
When you have completed the above steps, you may post your event on the Upcoming Shows board.
It is vital that you include the date of your show, and the date that entries close for the show
(this is usually a day or two beforehand) in your subject line. Hence, a thread title looks like this:
Ravendale Spring Trail Festival- Show Date: Jan/11/07; Entries Close: Jan/08/07
In your post you must include a working link to your show classlist. It is common practice to reinforce and
underline any major rules or entry fees for your show in your post, although not necessary.
If you are using another establishment's facilities, please mention them in your post and on your event's
webpage - this is a common courtesy, and sometimes required.
-- Back to Top
The EC Show Fund
What is The EC Show Fund?
This show host incentive encourages members to host larger, more detailed shows, by offering money to
use for prizes - FREE. If you host a show of 15 classes or larger, you are eligible for the EC Show
Fund, which allows you to keep all the entry fees, earn $1,000 extra income, AND gives you $4,000 to
use for prize money for that event. If your show is larger than normal and still has entry potential,
you may be eligible for more prize money (at the discretion of the Admin). To apply, PM the "Action &
Shows Moderator" for approval as normal (described above), and simply mention that want to utilize The
EC Show Fund. It's that easy.
-- Back to Top
Judging Shows
All shows MUST be judged by using a randomizer, to keep the results fair and completely random. If any member
is suspected of cheating, there will be serious consequences.
Each class must be judged separately. If you have two classes which are similar (Stallion Halter and Gelding Halter) and
have very few entries for each, they may be combined. If you have a class that is overloaded with entries, you are
welcome to split the class into two or more smaller classes, in order to ensure that more horses have a chance to win
better placings. We recommend each class contain about 7 entrants, so that you will give 1st place to 7th place.
The most a show may be judged is twice, BUT only if it is the most recent Association or Registry regular-scheduled
monthly show that was missed; if you were supposed to hold a show in January, but missed it, then your February
show may be doubled-judged to make up for January. If you missed January AND February, then your March show may
be doubled-judged to make up for February ONLY - January is considered a loss. Double-judging is fine, but NOT
triple-judging or more.
Titles are greatly encouraged for each show, and each show may have many titles. The Overall titles (Champion,
Reserve and Honorable Mention of Show) are what count for LOM applications, not the Divisional titles (Champion,
Reserve, and Hon.Ment. of Reining Division/Halter Division/etc), but you are welcome to include both types in
your show results, as most members like to list all the titles on their horse's acheivements. You are welcome to
award TWo Honorable Mentions at each show, giving a total of four Overall titles, but no more than that.
Prize money is gratefully received by the members, but is not required. Keep in mind that if always host shows
with entry fees and never give anything back to the winners, you may get fewer entries over time because members
like to see their horses winning some of the entry fees back in prize money. A good rule of thumb is to offer HALF
the entry fees back as prize money; this way, you are still earning an income for hosting a show, but you also
keep the entrants happy when you award money prizes.
See also: this really excellent link to a randomizer
-- Back to Top
Show Results Format
All show records MUST be displayed in an appropriate, accurate, and easy-to-read format, although styles may vary slightly.
Information that MUST be included is: placing (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on), class name, show name.
Some very common styles are as follows:
1st - Trail Division: Junior Class - Spring Trail Show
1. Trail, Junior - Spring Trail Show
1st: Junior Trail, Spring Trail Show
If you do not include the class name, it is impossible to know what the horse receieved the ribbon for. If you do
not include the show name, it can look like cheating is involved, and the Administrators have the right to order
that the results be removed from the horse's records, or that the records be re-written in an appropriate format.
Using short-form is acceptable, as long as it is evident what the short-form means, ie: Western Pleasure is WP,
and Working Cow Horse is WCH.
-- Back to Top
EC Marketplace
The EC Marketplace is the foundation of all sales/auctions/breedings occuring in the game, El Caballo Sim.
Any contracts or agreements which fall under the categories as outlined below should be conducted publicly
on the Ec Marketplace to ensure satsfaction to all parties concerned. Please read the following regulations
with respect to each category:
Reproductive Services:
Advertising a Horse for Breeding
- owners may post individual ads for stallions/mares, or one big post with all horses
- owner reserves the right to change/update their own posts at any time
- please post your advertisements in appropriate categories
- pictures/posters ARE allowed, but if large file size, please link for easy upload
Breeding Horses
- any contracts signed publicly on the EC Marketplace are legal and binding
- foal owner's responsibility to register new foal with ECREG
- remember, foals are born instantly in El Caballo Sim
- remember, number of foals you may breed each year depends on your member status
Private Sales:
Selling A Horse
- please note an asking price, or a price range in your sale
- seller reserves the right to choose the buyer or deny any buyers
- please post complete information for the horse, or a webpage link
- all documents (checks, contracts) MUST be posted publicly
- any contracts signed publicly on the EC Marketplace are legal and binding
- it is the seller's responsibility to inform ECREG of owner transfer
Buying A Horse
- post your highest price offer, based on the range the seller has displayed
- buyer may back out at any time before sale is final
- sale is final when check has been posted, contracts signed, etc.
- any contracts signed publicly on the EC Marketplace are legal and binding
- all documents (checks, contracts) MUST be posted publicly
Auction Block:
Selling A Horse
- please note a reserve price in your auction, and a starting bid
- note an end date for the auction (about a week is standard)
- seller cannot deny any bids, seller WILL sell to the highest bidder
- please post complete information for the horse, or a webpage link
- all documents (checks, contracts) MUST be posted publicly
- any contracts signed publicly on the EC Marketplace are legal and binding
- it is the seller's responsibility to inform ECREG of owner transfer
Buying A Horse
- any bids posted MUST be honored, buyer may NOT back out after posting
- sale is final on the day the auction ends (as posted)
- buyer has 4 days MAX to post the check, contracts, etc. or sale is void
- any contracts signed publicly on the EC Marketplace are legal and binding
- all documents (checks, contracts) MUST be posted publicly
Import/Export Center:
Selling A Horse
- please be very clear that the horse was created/bred in El Caballo Sim
- exporting a horse out-of-game means you do NOT have the right to buy-backs
- please note an asking price, or a price range in your sale
- seller reserves the right to choose the buyer or deny any buyers
- please post complete information for the horse, or a webpage link
- all documents (checks, contracts) MUST be posted publicly
- contracts are NOT legal/binding for any horse exports
- it is the seller's responsibility to inform ECREG of horse exportation
Buying A Horse
- please remember that all out-of-game contracts are NOT legally binding
- horse comes into EC with a clear show record - records/earnings/titles deleted
- post your highest price offer, based on the range the seller has displayed
- buyer may back out at any time before sale is final
- sale is final when check has been posted, etc.
- all checks MUST be posted publicly
-- Back to Top
Buying & Selling & Reclaiming
Please note, animals other than horses are NOT to be marketed in EC (cattle, or pets of any kind, etc).
Contracts are always honored in EC, but be aware that any stipulations which violate the Rulebook will be
marked as obsolete, as a member may not sign away his or her rights in the game.
All sales & auctions & much of the breedings and advertising is conducted at the EC Marketplace.
Private Sales
Horses may be offered for sale and sold 'privately' (an agreement between two members) for an agreed price.
Sales such as this are conducted publicly under the "Private Sales" section of the EC Marketplace. All
contracts & checks posted on the EC Marketplace between EC members ARE legal and binding. Private sales
may also be conducted privately in PM or email between members.
Auctions
Horses may be offered for sale to the highest bidder on the EC Marketplace under "Auction Block". The horse
is ALWAYS sold to the highest bidder, without exception. Once posted, the seller may NOT back out of the
auction (must sell), and once a bid is placed, the bidder may NOT change their mind or their bid (must buy).
All contracts & checks posted on the EC Marketplace between EC members ARE legal and binding.
Reclaiming
Horses may be reclaimed by the original EC owner/creator/breeder IF:
- you have sold a horse (bred or created) to another EC member, and he/she has permanently quit the game for
any reason, you may reclaim the horse you sold, no questions asked.
- you own the sire and dam (even if you did not create them in the first place), and their foal is not owned
by anyone in EC (because they have quit or been banned), even if you did not breed the foal in the first place.
Reclaiming a horse owned by an inactive member has stipulations, as follows:
- inactivity is defined by three weeks' total absence without ANY notice or response.
- FIRST WEEK: after one week of absence, you must attempt to contact the member via PM or email,
and forward the message to an Administrator so it is recorded.
- SECOND WEEK: if you do not receive a response to your PM or email within one week, post a Reclaiming Notice,
with your intent to reclaim, publicly, on the EC Marketplace under the appropriate category.
- THIRD WEEK: after one week without any response to your Notice, the horse may be reclaimed.
An EC Member may reclaim an inactive/abandoned horse which was previously exported to another game if they
can prove the horse is no longer wanted in the other game. Please contact the other game's Administrator
as well as the EC Administrator and make clear the situation or request.
-- Back to Top
RL Horses in the Game
No real life horses which are considered 'famous' or 'well-known' may be owned by any member
of the game at any time, without exception. You may bring a horse into the game that you own
in real life. Pedigrees may contain real life horse names. You may NOT bring a RL famous horse
into the game even if you have received permission from the owner, in writing and signed in blood.
Not going to happen. You may NOT breed a game horse to a RL horse; game horses must be bred
to game horses in order to produce a foal in EC (sim x sim).
-- Back to Top
Photograph Permissions
It is encouraged and assumed that all members of the game request permission from the photograph
owner to use any/all images, and you are required to give credit where it due, in the form of a
mention or a link, depending on the stipulations made by the photograph owner. If you are caught
using copyrighted photographs without permission (all photographs and images on the internet are
assumed to be copyrighted, whether there is a copyright notice or not) then you will be suspended
from the game until further notice, and upon re-entering the game, you will be demoted back to New
Member status for a period of two months. Copyright infringement is NOT to be taken lightly!
Horses are added to the ECREG almost daily. You may NOT claim photos or a name for your
horse if it doesn't have an ECREG#. If it does not have this number, it does not exist yet.
There is no excuse for not having your horses registered with ECREG.
Members may NOT claim photos for 'future use'. If you post photos, it means you have created the
horse and registered it with ECREG. If someone else claims to already use the photos, and their
horse was registered with ECREG first, they have rights to the photos, whether they have previously
posted the horse's 'intro' or not.
-- Back to Top
Surprises & Disasters
El Caballo Sim does NOT incorporate 'random' Surprises or Disasters into gameplay. If you decide your horse
has sustained an injury or become ill, that is your choice, not ours. The only exception to this rule is when
you send your equines to the vet or farrier; the vet or farrier reserve the right to create realistic occasional
problems or injuries for the owner to deal with. If someone managing a Vet or Farrier service is abusing this
right, please report them to the EC Administrators or Moderators.
-- Back to Top
Game Referrals
Referring a player to the game has many benefits. If the player is accepted into the game, you
will immediately receive two EC Credits AND $5,000 cash. If the player remains active in the game
for a period of no less than two months, you will receive two more Credits and an additional
$5,000 cash. You must give your Membership Number to the person who is joining the game, so they can
enter it in the appropriate section of the Application.
-- Back to Top
Breaking the Rules
Depending on the severity of the violation, action will be taken by the Administators of EC against
the offending member. If the player has 'accidentally' (a definition which is at the discretion of
the Staff) broken a Rule, the punishment will be less severe, such as a fine payable to the game, or
a suspension of the player's Forum account for a period of days. If the breech is substantial and
inexcusable, the punishment will be more rigorous, such as termination of the membership.
If you suspect someone of breaking any Rules, please use this form. Your name will, of course,
be held in the strictest confidence in the event of disciplinary action against another member.
-- Back to Top
Quitting the Game
A player may quit the game at any time, but:
(a) we ask that you follow a few guidelines to ensure that your account is cleared/properly deleted,
and
(b) you must be aware that your horses will remain the property of El Caballo Sim and will not be
deleted from gameplay, without exception,
and
(c) the following rules and regulations will remain in effect no matter what the circumstances
surrounding a member leaving the game.
Problems & Issues
Please do not post angry and emotional messages on the Forum if you are leaving because of an issue
with the game or another member. Remember that if you ever have a problem with another member, you
can discuss the issue with the Staff and attempt to resolve the concern before any regrettable
circumstances come to pass.
'Willing' Horses & Property
You may 'will' up to 5 horses to other members if you quit the game, but you must PM or email your
request to an Administrator before actively quitting the game.
Members may NOT give any establishments to other members upon quitting the game, without exceptions.
Estabishments such as barns & businesses will be deleted from the game.
Any registries or associations or clubs that the quitting member managed will be made available to
another player. It is left to the descretion of the quitting member to make available the HTML or
website to the next manager, because any websites or HTML IS copyrighted by the designer in question;
the only exception to this is the list of registered horses & members which were served by the
establishment, which will remain the property of El Caballo Sim and will be made available to the
new manager, to ensure continued service to the members of EC.
Members may NOT give away ANY amount of money when they quit or if they are terminated from gameplay.
The Issue of 'copyrights' to a created/bred Horse
All horses created for the purpose of playing El Caballo Sim become and remain the property of the
game, NOT the member. If you join EC and create/breed any number of horses, they will stay in the
game system even if you leave, for any reason. This is to ensure that all horses registered in the
ECREG may be accounted for, and to minimize the bookwork related to maintaining the game, members,
and registered horses. By applying to play EC, you agree to adhere by this rule from the moment you
begin playing EC to the moment you possibly ever leave the game. The EC Administrators & Staff
subsequently reserves the right to auction any abandoned horses to the EC public.
If you wish to quit, please use this form so that your account
information may be cleared from game records.
-- Back to Top
See Also:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Game
 |
This is a simulated online game; nothing here is real.
This site is best viewed in IE with a resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher.
Web & graphic design courtesy of The Kit Files.
Copyright © El Caballo Sim 2007-2008. All rights reserved. |